Tuesday, February 01, 2022

Death in Custody - Coroner is Session Court Judges, no more Magistrate, all deaths must be registered in court - Practice Direction

The Malaysian Judiciary has 'established' the Coroners Court, and set direction on the handling of cases of death categorised as 'sudden death' and Inquests. All cases including death in custody has to be finished within a defined time. Inquest in DEATH IN CUSTODY cases ought to be completed withion 6 months from the date of registration.

Kes LMM hendaklah diselesaikan dalam tempoh 1 bulan dari tarikh pendaftaran kes LMM di Mahkamah Sesyen Koroner....5.2 Kes Siasatan Kematian (am) hendaklah diselesaikan dalam tempoh 9 bulan dari tarikh pendaftaran kes Siasatan Kematian di Mahkamah Sesyen Koroner manakala bagi kes Siasatan Kematian (kematian dalam tahanan) hendaklah diselesaikan dalam tempoh 6 bulan dari tarikh pendaftaran kes.

The 2019 Practice Direction by CJ RICHARD MALANJUM cancels the previous Practice Direction of 2014 of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court, which revoked the 2007 Puractice Direction of CJ  SITI NORMA YAAKOB

ARAHAN AMALAN BIL. 2 TAHUN 2019

PENGENDALIAN LAPORAN MATI MENGEJUT DAN SIASATAN KEMATIAN OLEH MAHKAMAH SESYEN KORONER


Ruj. Tuan:

Ruj. Kami:

Tarikh:

Pengarah Mahkamah Negeri
Seluruh Malaysia

Hakim Mahkamah Sesyen
Seluruh Malaysia

Majistret
Mahkamah Majistret
Seluruh Malaysia

Penolong Kanan Pendaftar
Mahkamah Rendah
Seluruh Malaysia

Penolong Pendaftar
Mahkamah Rendah
Seluruh Malaysia

YBhg. Datuk/Datok/Datin/Tuan/Puan,

ARAHAN AMALAN BIL 2 TAHUN 2019

PENGENDALIAN LAPORAN MATI MENGEJUT DAN SIASATAN KEMATIAN OLEH MAHKAMAH SESYEN KORONER

YAA Ketua Hakim Negara setelah berunding dengan YAA Hakim Besar Malaya dan YAA Hakim Besar Sabah dan Sarawak, dengan ini mengeluarkan arahan bagi pengendalian kes Laporan Mati Mengejut (LMM) dan Siasatan Kematian oleh Mahkamah Sesyen Koroner.

2. Semua kes LMM dan Siasatan Kematian hendaklah dikendalikan oleh Hakim Mahkamah Sesyen yang digelar Koroner.

3. Kes LMM dan Siasatan Kematian bukan sahaja terhad kepada kes kematian dalam tahanan polis, kematian dalam penjara, kematian di mana-mana pusat tahanan dan kematian orang tahanan di hospital tetapi juga semua kes kematian yang memerlukan siasatan dibuat di bawah Bab XXXII Kanun Tatacara Jenayah [Akta 593].

4. PENGELASAN KOD KES

4.1 Kes siasatan kematian yang difailkan hendaklah didaftarkan di

Mahkamah Sesyen Koroner di Negeri yang berkenaan mengikut pengelasan kod seperti yang berikut:

Kod Butiran
65 Kes Laporan Mengejut (LMM)
65A Kes Siasatan Kematian (AM)
65B Kes Siasatan Kematian (Kematian Dalam Tahanan)

4.2 Walaupun kes LMM telah didaftarkan di bawah Kod 65, sekiranya Koroner setelah meneliti LMM tersebut mendapati bahawa Siasatan Kematian perlu dijalankan, maka kes itu hendaklah didaftarkan semula di bawah Kod 65A atau Kod 65B.

5. GARIS MASA PENYELESAIAN KES LMM / SIASATAN KEMATIAN

5.1 Kes LMM hendaklah diselesaikan dalam tempoh 1 bulan dari tarikh pendaftaran kes LMM di Mahkamah Sesyen Koroner.

5.2 Kes Siasatan Kematian (am) hendaklah diselesaikan dalam tempoh 9 bulan dari tarikh pendaftaran kes Siasatan Kematian di Mahkamah Sesyen Koroner manakala bagi kes Siasatan Kematian (kematian dalam tahanan) hendaklah diselesaikan dalam tempoh 6 bulan dari tarikh pendaftaran kes.

6. GARIS PANDUAN PENGENDALIAN KES SIASATAN KEMATIAN

Garis panduan bagi pengendalian kes siasatan kematian adalah seperti di Lampiran A Arahan Amalan ini.

7. PEMERIKSAAN MAYAT

7.1 Koroner tidak diwajibkan untuk hadir semasa pemeriksaan mayat melainkan pegawai penyiasat berpendapat kehadiran Koroner adalah perlu.

7.2 Sekiranya pegawai penyiasat berpendapat terdapat keperluan untuk kehadiran Koroner, perkara berikut hendaklah dipatuhi:

7.2.1 Koroner hendaklah hadir di tempat mayat berada dan melakukan pemeriksaan dengan segera;

7.2.2 Koroner tidak perlu membuat catatan atau nota semasa pemeriksaan mayat. Catatan boleh dibuat oleh pegawai penyiasat dengan pengesahan bahawa Koroner telah hadir semasa pemeriksaan mayat.

7.2.3 Sekiranya atas sebab yang tidak dapat dielakkan, Koroner tidak dapat melaksanakan tugas seperti di perenggan 7.2.1, Pengarah Negeri boleh mengarahkan Hakim Mahkamah Sesyen atau Majistret di daerah berkenaan atau di daerah yang berhampiran untuk melaksanakan tugas pemeriksaan mayat tersebut.

7.3 Sekiranya pegawai penyiasat memutuskan bahawa mayat yang diperiksa perlu dibedah siasat, Koroner tidak perlu hadir semasa bedah siasat (post mortem) dijalankan.

7.4 Koroner tidak mempunyai bidangkuasa untuk memutuskan berkenaan keperluan untuk bedah siasat bagi kes mati mengejut, melainkan keadaan yang diperuntukkan di bawah Seksyen 335 (2) Kanun Tatacara Jenayah.

8. PENGENDALIAN KES DAN FAIL-FAIL LMM / SIASATAN KEMATIAN

8.1 Semua kes LMM dan siasatan kematian hendaklah difailkan secara elektronik berserta surat permohonan dan fail LMM yang lengkap. Fail LMM yang tidak lengkap boleh ditolak oleh Mahkamah.

8.2 Ketetapan di perenggan 8.1 hanya terpakai bagi lokasi Mahkamah yang mempunyai sistem aplikasi digital secara elektronik. Bagi lokasi Mahkamah yang masih menggunapakai sistem pemfailan manual, proses kerja sedia ada adalah terpakai.

8.3 Fail LMM yang dikemukakan secara manual kepada Mahkamah hendaklah dipulangkan kepada pihak pemohon setelah fail selesai disemak dan verdict (keputusan) diberikan.

9. PEMBATALAN ARAHAN AMALAN BIL. 2 TAHUN 2014

Arahan Amalan Bil. 2 Tahun 2014 - Pengendalian Siasatan Kematian (Death Inquiry) Selaras Dengan Penubuhan Mahkamah Khas Koroner adalah dibatalkan.

10. TARIKH KUAT KUASA

Arahan ini berkuat kuasa pada 8 Mac 2019.

Sekian, Terima kasih.

(YAA TAN SRI DATUK SERI PANGLIMA RICHARD MALANJUM)
Ketua Hakim Negara
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Salinan Kepada:

YAA Presiden Mahkamah Rayuan
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

YAA Hakim Besar Malaya
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

YAA Hakim Besar Sabah dan Sarawak
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Peguam Negara
Jabatan Peguam Negara Malaysia
45, Persiaran Perdana
Presint 4
62100 PUTRAJAYA

Ketua Polis Negara
lbu Pejabat Polis Diraja Malaysia Bukit Aman
50560 KUALA LUMPUR

Ketua Pendaftar
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Timbalan Ketua Pendaftar (Polisi)
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Timbalan Ketua Pendaftar (Operasi)
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Pendaftar
Mahkamah Rayuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Sabah Dan Sarawak
Kompleks Mahkamah Kuching
Jalan Gersik, Petra Jaya
93050 KUCHING,SARAWAK

Pendaftar Mahkamah Rendah Malaya
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Pendaftar Mahkamah Rendah Sabah dan Sarawak
Kompleks Mahkamah Kuching
Jalan Gersik, Petra Jaya
93050 KUCHING,SARAWAK

Ketua Pengarah
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
Ibu Pejabat KKM Blok E1, E6, E7 & E10, Parcel, Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62590 PUTRAJAYA

Ketua Bahagian Pendakwaan
Jabatan Peguam Negara Malaysia
45, Persiaran Perdana
Presint 4
62100 PUTRAJAYA

Peguam Besar Negeri Sarawak
Tingkat 15 & 16
Wisma Bapa Malaysia Petra Jaya
93502 Kuching SARAWAK

Peguam Besar Negeri Sabah
Tingkat 8 & 9
Menara Tun Mustapha
Teluk Likas
Beg Berkunci 2054
88990 KOTA KINABALU
SABAH

Pengarah
Bahagian Dasar dan Perundangan
Pejabat Ketua Pendaftar
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar
Mahkamah Tinggi
SELURUH MALAYSIA

Pengarah
Bahagian Teknologi Maklumat dan E-Kehakiman
Pejabat Ketua Pendaftar
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Pustakawan
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Presiden
Majlis Peguam Malaysia
15, Leboh Pasar Besar
50050 KUALA LUMPUR

Pengerusi
Persatuan Undang-Undang Sabah
Suite No. 6-6-11
6th Floor, Menara MAA
No. 6, Lorong Api-Api 1
88000 KOTA KINABALU, SABAH

Pengerusi
Persatuan Peguambela Sarawak
The Bar Room,
Kompleks Mahkamah Kuching
Jalan Gersik, Petra Jaya
93050 KUCHING, SARAWAK


LAMPIRAN A

GARIS PANDUAN MENGENAI SIASATAN KEMATIAN (PERUNTUKAN YANG BERKAITAN DALAM BAHAGIAN VIII BAB XXXII SEKSYEN 328-341 KANUN TATACARA JENAYAH )

1. APA ITU SIASATAN KEMATIAN

(a) Siasatan Kematian bukanlah seperti suatu perbicaraan;

(b) Tiada pihak yang mendakwa dan membela;

(c) Siasatan Kematian adalah suatu siasatan oleh Koroner/Majistret tentang sebab kematian dan Timbalan Pendakwa Raya yang hadir semasa Siasatan Kematian bukan untuk mendakwa seseorang tetapi hanya untuk membantu Mahkamah dengan pemeriksaan saksi bagi maksud memberikan keterangan;

(d) Peguam bela yang menghadiri suatu Siasatan Kematian bukanlah untuk membela seseorang, tetapi hadir untuk menjaga kepentingan pihak-pihak yang melantik beliau. Walaupun peguam bela tidak diberi hak untuk pemeriksaan saksi semasa Siasatan Kematian, hak ini jarang menjadi suatu isu kerana Mahkamah lazimnya akan memuaskan hati pihak-pihak bagi pemeriksaan saksi apabila permohonan dibuat oleh pihak-pihak;

(e) Walaupun berhujah tanpa kebenaran di hadapan mahkamah bukanlah perbuatan menghina mahkamah, perbuatan sedemikian adalah suatu perbuatan yang tidak sopan. Ini selari dengan penekanan terhadap etika kesopanan dalam profesion undang-undang;

(f) Seorang Koroner/Majistret tidak boleh menyatakan apa-apa pendapat mengenai apa-apa perkara sehingga Siasatan Kematian tamat;

(g) Tiada sabitan atau penghukuman di akhir Siasatan Kematian.

2. PERKARA YANG PERLU DIBERI PENEKANAN SEMASA SIASATAN KEMATIAN

Prosiding dan keterangan dalam suatu Siasatan Kematian hendaklah ditumpukan kepada perkara yang berikut:

(a) siapa si mati;

(b) bagaimana, bila dan di mana si mati menemui ajalnya;

(c) butir-butir yang diperlukan menurut Akta Pendaftaran Kelahiran dan Kematian 1957 [Akta 299] untuk mendaftarkan kematian si mati;

(d) orang yang melakukan perbuatan atau peninggalan yang menyalahi undang-undang yang menyebabkan kematian, jika terdapat keterangan sedemikian, tanpa membuat apa-apa dapatan mengenai liabiliti jenayah orang itu.

3. BILA SIASATAN KEMATIAN PERLU DIADAKAN

A. Bila Siasatan Kematian Mesti Diadakan

Koroner/Majistret mesti mengadakan suatu Siasatan Kematian jika:-

(a) mana-mana orang mati semasa dalam jagaan polis (seksyen 334 KTJ);

(b) mana-mana orang mati semasa dalam jagaan, atau dalam hal keadaan yang menimbulkan keraguan mengenai penjagaan si mati; atau

(c) Pendakwa Raya meminta Koroner/Majistret untuk mengaturkan supaya suatu Siasatan Kematian diadakan mengenai kematian itu (seksyen 339 KTJ yang dibaca bersama seksyen 328 dan 329 KTJ).

B. Bila Siasatan Kematian Boleh Diadakan

Siasatan Kematian boleh diadakan untuk menyiasat suatu laporan kematian jika Koroner/Majistret berpendapat adalah wajar untuk mengadakan Siasatan Kematian (seksyen 334 KTJ) bagi mana-mana kes orang yang mati semasa dalam hospital psikiatri atau penjara.

C. Bila Siasatan Kematian Tidak Perlu Diadakan Atau Tidak Diteruskan [Seksyen 333(3) KTJ]

1. Apabila seseorang telah dituduh dengan suatu kesalahan yang berkemungkinan dia adalah orang yang menyebabkan kematian itu.

2. Jika Koroner/Majistret telah diberitahu bahawa prosiding jenayah akan dimulakan terhadap mana-mana orang sebelum Siasatan Kematian bermula, Koroner/Majistret tidak boleh memulakan Siasatan Kematian tersebut sehingga tamatnya prosiding jenayah itu, termasuk apa-apa rayuan yang berkaitan dengannya.

D. Kategori Kes Yang Lazimnya Siasatan Kematian Diadakan

(1) Apa-apa kematian yang menimbulkan ketidakpastian atau keterangan yang bercanggah mengenainya yang mewajarkan penggunaan proses forensik kehakiman.

(2) Apa-apa kematian yang melalui Siasatan Kematian boleh mendedahkan kecacatan sistemik yang penting atau risiko yang tidak diketahui.

(3) Apa-apa kematian yang menurut pandangan keluarga atau anggota masyarakat yang berkepentingan bahawa suatu Siasatan Kematian itu berkemungkinan akan membantu mengekalkan keyakinan orang ramai terhadap pentadbiran keadilan, perkhidmatan kesihatan atau lain-lain agensi awam.

(4) Apa-apa kematian yang apabila digabungkan bersekali dengan kematian orang lain yang berlaku dalam hal keadaan yang serupa yang boleh menunjukkan bahawa berkemungkinan terdapatnya peningkatan bahaya yang tidak dijangka di lokasi, kawasan, keluarga, industri atau aktiviti tertentu.

(5) Apa-apa kematian yang berlaku di tempat kerja yang melibatkan proses industri atau aktiviti tertentu.

(6) Apa-apa bencana yang melibatkan kematian berganda.

(7) Apa-apa kematian akibat mencederakan diri sendiri yang tidak boleh mengecualikan penglibatan pihak ketiga yang menyebabkan kematian itu.

4. PENGENDALIAN SEBELUM SIASATAN KEMATIAN

A. Melihat Mayat Si Mati

(1) Apabila Koroner/Majistret diberitahu tentang kematian seseorang semasa dalam jagaan di bawah seksyen 329 atau kematian seseorang semasa dalam jagaan di bawah seksyen 334 KTJ, Koroner/Majistret hendaklah, setakat mana yang bersesuaian:

  • Bersama Pegawai Perubatan, melihat dan memeriksa mayat in situ, untuk mengambil perhatian tentang apa-apa kecederaan atau tanda pada mayat;

  • Mendapatkan maklumat yang berkaitan dengan penemuan mayat (dalam kes kematian semasa dalam jagaan);

Apa-apa pemerhatian yang dibuat hendaklah dicatat secara bertulis dan catatan tersebut hendaklah menjadi sebahagian daripada nota Koroner/Majistret dalam Siasatan Kematian.

(2) Koroner/Majistret dengan bantuan pihak polis hendaklah:-

  • memaklumkan dengan segera keluarga/waris kadim/orang yang berkepentingan tentang kematian si mati;

  • memaklumkan kepada keluarga/waris kadim/orang berkepentingan tentang apa-apa pemeriksaan post-mortem yang hendak dijalankan dan alasan bagi pemeriksaan post-mortem tersebut;

(3) Koroner/Majistret hendaklah memastikan bahawa mayat si mati diserahkan kepada keluarga/waris kadim untuk dikebumikan dengan seberapa segera dengan syarat siasatan dan/atau post-mortem yang perlu bagi maksud Siasatan Kematian telah dijalankan dengan sewajarnya. Apa-apa alasan kelewatan dalam serahan mayat si mati hendaklah direkodkan dalam nota Koroner/Majistret.

B. Notis untuk mengadakan Siasatan Kematian

Koroner/Majistret hendaklah dengan bantuan pihak Polis, memaklumkan keluarga/waris kadim berkenaan dengan tarikh, masa dan tempat Siasatan Kematian. Notis ini hendaklah diserahkan tidak kurang dari 2 minggu sebelum tarikh Siasatan Kematian.

5. SIASATAN KEMATIAN

A. Protokol Pemeriksaan Saksi

Koroner/Majistret mempunyai kawalan terhadap prosiding, dan hendaklah memulakan pemeriksaan saksi, dan diikuti oleh pemeriksaan saksi oleh orang lain yang dibenarkan untuk mengambil bahagian dalam Siasatan Kematian. Koroner/Majistret dibantu oleh Timbalan Pendakwa Raya.

B. Kelayakan Pemeriksaan Saksi

Terdapat hanya 'orang yang berkepentingan' sahaja dalam prosiding Siasatan Kematian. Koroner/Majistret hendaklah menggunakan budi bicaranya untuk menentukan siapa yang layak untuk memeriksa saksi, termasuk yang berikut:

(a) ibu bapa, anak, pasangan dan mana-mana wakil diri bagi si mati;

(b) mana-mana orang melakukan apa-apa perbuatan atau peninggalan yang menyalahi undang-undang atau mana-mana ejen atau pekhidmatnya boleh, menurut pendapat Koroner/Majistret, telah menyebabkan, atau menyumbang kepada, kematian si mati;

(c) seorang pemeriksa yang dilantik oleh, atau seorang wakil diri, pihak berkuasa yang menguat kuasa, atau mana-mana orang yang dilantik oleh Jabatan Kerajaan untuk menghadiri Siasatan Kematian; dan

(d) mana-mana orang lain, menurut pendapat Koroner/Majistret, adalah orang yang berkepentingan.

C. Penzahiran Dokumen

Koroner/Majistret mempunyai budi bicara berkenaan dengan penzahiran dokumen. Budi bicara ini hendaklah secara amnya dilaksanakan untuk membenarkan penzahiran dokumen.

D. Kelonggaran pemakaian tatacara dan kaedah keterangan

Tatacara dan kaedah keterangan yang sesuai untuk proses accusatorial adalah tidak sesuai bagi proses siasatan.

Koroner/Majistret tidak wajar membenarkan mana-mana cubaan oleh pihak-pihak berkepentingan untuk mempertikaikan kredibiliti saksi, sebagai contoh, melalui prosiding mencabar kebolehpercayaan (impeachment proceedings).

F. Keterangan Yang Menjerat Diri Sendiri (Self Incrimination)

Saksi yang hadir dalam prosiding Siasatan Kematian tidak perlu menjawab apa-apa soalan yang cenderung untuk menjerat diri saksi itu (self-incriminate).

Jika seorang saksi telah ditanya dengan soalan sedemikian, Koroner/Majistret hendaklah memaklumkan kepada saksi bahawa dia boleh untuk tidak menjawab soalan itu.

G. Dapatan Koroner/Majistret

Koroner/Majistret yang mengendalikan Siasatan Kematian hendaklah membuat dapatan mengenai:-

(a) siapa si mati;

(b) bagaimana si mati mati;

(c) bila si mati mati;

(d) di mana si mati mati;

(e) sebab kematian si mati; dan

(f) mana-mana orang, yang melakukan perbuatan atau melakukan peninggalan yang menyalahi undang-undang yang menyebabkan kematian, tanpa membuat apa-apa dapatan mengenai liabiliti jenayah orang itu.

H. Keputusan (Verdict) Koroner/Majistret

Keputusan (verdict) Siasatan Kematian oleh Koroner/Majistret tidak boleh menentukan persoalan mengenai:-

liabiliti jenayah; atau

liabiliti sivil,

bagi seorang yang dinamakan.

Pada akhir Siasatan Kematian, Koroner/Majistret mesti menyampaikan verdict berdasarkan mana-mana satu yang berikut:

(a) mati yang tidak dapat ditentukan cara kematian (open verdict);

(b) mati akibat kemalangan (misadventure);

(c) mati akibat penyakit (natural death);

(d) mati akibat perbuatan orang lain (homicide);

(e) mati akibat perbuatan diri sendiri (suicide).

I. Tempat Siasatan Kematian

Tempat Siasatan Kematian hendaklah terbuka kepada orang awam tetapi Koroner/Majistret boleh, atas alasan tertentu yang suai manfaat, mengecualikan kehadiran orang awam atau mana-mana orang pada mana-mana peringkat siasatan [seksyen 338(2) KTJ].

J. Penyegeraan Prosiding Siasatan Kematian

Atas dasar kepentingan awam, suatu prosiding Siasatan Kematian hendaklah disegerakan dan diberi keutamaan. Prosiding Siasatan Kematian hendaklah dikendalikan secara berterusan sehingga tamat.

6. PASCA PROSIDING SIASATAN KEMATIAN

A. Koroner/Majistret hendaklah menghantar kepada Pendakwa Raya keseluruhan fail asal yang ditandatanganinya beserta suatu salinan nota keterangan dan dapatan yang diperakui dengan ditandatangani olehnya sebagai betul/sahih.

B. Koroner/Majistret, dengan bantuan Polis, hendaklah memaklumkan kepada keluarga/waris kadim tentang keputusan (verdict) Siasatan Kematian.

C. Koroner/Majistret boleh memberi salinan keputusan (verdict) dan nota prosiding Siasatan Kematian kepada mana-mana orang berkepentingan atas permohonan secara bertulis.

7. PROVISO AM

Apa-apa sebutan kepada perkataan 'Koroner/Majistret' dalam Garis Panduan ini hendaklah juga dibaca sebagai Hakim Mahkamah Sesyen Koroner.

 

 

###The previous 2014 PRACTICE note , now replaced by Practice Note above


ARAHAN AMALAN BIL. 2 TAHUN 2014

PENGENDALIAN SIASATAN KEMATIAN (DEATH INQUIRY) SELARAS DENGAN PENUBUHAN MAHKAMAH KHAS KORONER


Ruj. Tuan:

Ruj. Kami: JK/MP 38 Jld. 6

Tarikh: 8 April 2014


Pengarah Mahkamah Negeri
SELURUH MALAYSIA

Hakim Mahkamah Sesyen
SELURUH MALAYSIA

Majistret
SELURUH MALAYSIA

Penolong Kanan Pendaftar
Mahkamah Rendah
SELURUH MALAYSIA

Penolong Pendaftar
Mahkamah Rendah
SELURUH MALAYSIA

YBhg. Dato'/Datin/Tuan/Puan,

ARAHAN AMALAN BIL. 2 TAHUN 2014

PENGENDALIAN SIASATAN KEMATIAN (DEATH INQUIRY) SELARAS DENGAN PENUBUHAN MAHKAMAH KHAS KORONER

Adalah saya telah diarahkan oleh YAA Ketua Hakim Negara untuk memaklumkan bahawa Mahkamah Khas Koroner akan ditubuhkan di setiap ibu negeri dan mula berkuatkuasa pada 15 April 2014.

2. Mahkamah Khas Koroner ini akan menjalankan semua siasatan kematian bukan sahaja terhad kepada kes-kes kematian dalam tahanan polis, kematian dalam penjara, kematian di mana-mana pusat tahanan dan kematian orang tahanan di hospital tetapi juga kepada semua kes-kes kematian yang memerlukan satu siasatan dibuat menurut peruntukan seksyen 329(1) Kanun Tatacara Jenayah.

3. Mahkamah Khas Koroner akan dikendalikan oleh seorang Hakim Mahkamah Sesyen.

4. Mahkamah Khas Koroner ini juga akan mengendalikan kes-kes Laporan Mati Mengejut (LMM).

5. PENDAFTARAN KES DI MAHKAMAH KHAS KORONER

5.1 Kes-kes siasatan kematian yang difailkan hendaklah didaftarkan di Mahkamah Khas Koroner di negeri berkenaan menurut Kod berikut:-

Kod 65 Kes-kes laporan mati mengejut (LMM)
Kod 65A Kes-kes siasatan kematian

5.2 Sekiranya suatu kes laporan mati mengejut telah didaftarkan di bawah kod 65, namun koroner setelah meneliti laporan kematian dan mendapati bahawa satu siasatan kematian perlu dijalankan maka kes itu hendaklah didaftarkan semula di bawah kod 65A.

6. PEMINDAHAN KES-KES LAPORAN MATI MENGEJUT (LMM)

6.1 Kes-kes LMM yang didaftarkan sebelum 15 April 2014 yang masih belum diselesaikan di Mahkamah Majistret, hendaklah dipindahkan ke Mahkamah Khas Koroner Negeri serta merta.

6.2 Kes-kes tersebut hendaklah didaftarkan semula menurut perenggan 5.1 di atas.

7. SIASATAN KEMATIAN YANG SEDANG BERJALAN

7.1 Bagi kes-kes siasatan kematian yang sedang berjalan hendaklah dirujuk kepada ketua Pendaftar untuk arahan lanjut.

8. GARIS PANDUAN PENGEDALIAN SIASATAN KEMATIAN

8.1 Garis panduan dalam mengendalikan kes-kes sisatan kematian adalah sepertimana yang digariskan di dalam Lampiran A Arahan Amalan ini.

9. PEMERIKSAAN MAYAT

9.1 Bagi kes-kes mati mengejut di mana Hakim Mahkamah Khas Koroner perlu memeriksa mayat, Hakim Mahkamah Khas Koroner hendaklah juga mematuhi perkara-perkara berikut:-

(a) Hakim Mahkamah Khas Koroner hendaklah hadir di tempat di mana mayat berada dan melakukan pemeriksaan dengan segera.

(b) Sekiranya atas sebab-sebab yang tidak dapat dielakkan, Hakim Mahkamah Khas Koroner tidak dapat melaksanakan tugas seperti di perenggan (a), Pengarah Negeri boleh mengarahkan Hakim Mahkamah Sesyen/Majistret di daerah berkenaan ataupun yang berhampiran untuk melaksanakan tugas pemeriksaan mayat tersebut.

10. PENGURUSAN KES SIASATAN KEMATIAN

10.1 Hakim Mahkamah Khas Koroner hendaklah menyelesaikan siasatan kematian dalam tempoh 9 bulan dari tarikh siasatan kematian diadakan.

10.2 Bagi pengurusan kes siasatan kematian, Arahan Amalan Bil. 2 Tahun 2012 adalah terpakai setakat mana yang bersesuaian.

11. PEMBATALAN ARAHAN AMALAN TERDAHULU

11.1 Dengan berkuat kuasanya Arahan Amalan ini, Practice Direction No. 1 of 2007 Guidelines On Inquest adalah dengan ini terbatal.

12. TARIKH KUATKUASA

12.1 Arahan Amalan ini berkuatkuasa mulai tarikh 15 April 2014.

Sekian, terima kasih.

"BERKHIDMAT UNTUK NEGARA"

Saya yang menurut perintah,

(AZIMAH OMAR)

Ketua Pendaftar

Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia

Istana Kehakiman

PUTRAJAYA

s.k.:

YAA Ketua Hakim Negara
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Peguam Negara
Jabatan Peguam Negara
No. 45 Persiaran Perdana
Presint 4
62100, PUTRAJAYA

YAA Presiden Mahkamah Rayuan
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

YAA Hakim Besar Malaya
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

YAA Hakim Besar Sabah dan Sarawak
Mahkamah Tinggi Kuching
Jalan Gersik
93050 Petrajaya
KUCHING, SARAWAK

Timbalan Ketua Pendaftar
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Pendaftar
Mahkamah Rayuan Malaysia
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Pendaftar
Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Pendaftar
Mahkamah Tinggi Sabah dan Sarawak
Mahkamah Tinggi Kuching
Jalan Gersik
93050 Petrajaya
KUCHING, SARAWAK

Pendaftar
Mahkamah Rendah Malaya
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Ketua Polis Negara
Ibu Pejabat Polis Diraja Malaysia
Bukit Aman
50560
KUALA LUMPUR

Ketua Pesuruhjaya
Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia
Blok D6, Kompleks D
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan, Peti Surat 6000
62007, PUTRAJAYA

Ketua Pengarah
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
Ibu Pejabat KKM Blok E1, E6, E7 & E10, Parcel
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan
62590 PUTRAJAYA

Ketua Bahagian Pendakwaan
Jabatan Peguam Negara
PUTRAJAYA

Ketua Bahagian Guaman
Jabatan Peguam Negara
PUTRAJAYA

Peguam Besar Negeri Sarawak
Tingkat 15 & 16
Wisma Bapa Malaysia
Petra Jaya
93502 Kuching
SARAWAK

Peguam Besar Negeri Sabah
Tingkat 8 & 9
Menara Tun Mustapha
Teluk Likas
Beg Berkunci 2054
88990 KOTA KINABALU
SABAH

Penasihat Undang-Undang Negeri
SELURUH MALAYSIA

Ketua Unit Pendakwaan Negeri
SELURUH MALAYSIA

Pengarah Bahagian Pengurusan
Pejabat Ketua Pendaftar
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Ketua Bahagian Dasar, Latihan dan Perancangan Strategik
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Timbalan Pendaftar/Penolong Kanan Pendaftar
Mahkamah Tinggi
SELURUH MALAYSIA

Ketua Bahagian Teknologi Maklumat
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Ketua Bahagian e-Kehakiman
Pejabat Ketua Pendaftar
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Pustakawan
Pejabat Ketua Pendaftar
Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia
Istana Kehakiman
PUTRAJAYA

Presiden
Majlis Peguam Malaysia
13, 15 dan 17 Leboh Pasar Besar
50050, KUALA LUMPUR

Pengerusi
Persatuan Undang-Undang Sabah
Tingkat 2, 58, Jalan Pantai
Hainan Association Building
88000 Kota Kinabalu
SABAH

Pengerusi
Persatuan Peguambela Sarawak
Bilik Peguam, Kompleks Mahkamah Kuching
Jalan Gersik, Petra Jaya
93050 Kuching
SARAWAK

Ketua Polis Negara
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
PERLIS

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
KEDAH

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
PULAU PINANG

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
PERAK

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
MELAKA

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
NEGERI SEMBILAN

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
JOHOR

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
SELANGOR

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
KUALA LUMPUR

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
PAHANG

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
KELANTAN

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
TERENGGANU

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
SABAH

Ketua Polis Negeri
Ibu Pejabat Polis Kontinjen Negeri
SARAWAK

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LAMPIRAN A

GUIDELINES ON INQUEST

(RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN PART V11 SECTION 328-341A CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE)

1. What is an inquest

(a) It is not like a trial;

(b) The are no parties to prosecute and to defend;

(c) It is only an inquiry by a Magistrate as to the cause of death and the Prosecuting Officer is there not to prosecute anyone but only to assist the Court with the examination of witnesses for the purpose of giving evidence;

(d) A defence counsel present at an inquest is not there to defend anyone, but only to look after the interest of those who engage him. Whilst he has no right to speak as of right, this right seldom becomes an issue because the court normally gives such indulgence whenever it is asked;

(e) Although addressing the Court without permission is not contempt, it is certainly not polite to do so without permission. In polite circles such as the legal profession, this simple etiquette is expected;

(f) A Magistrate/Coroner shall not express any opinion on any matter until the conclusion of the inquest;

(g) There is no conviction or punishment at the end of it.

2. Matter to be ascertained at Inquest

The proceedings and evidence at an inquest shall be directed solely at ascertaining the following matter, namely:-

(a) who the deceased was;

(b) how, when and where the deceased came by his death;

(c) particulars for the time being required by the Registration Act to be registered concerning the death of persons;

(d) the person(s) who carried out the act(s) or omission(s) causing the death, where such evidence is available, without however making any finding on the criminal liability of such person(s).

3. When should an inquest be held?

A. When an inquest must be held

The Magistrate must hold an inquest if:-

(a) any person dies while in custody of the police (section 334 CPC); or

(b) any person dies while in the care, or in circumstances that raise doubt about the deceased's care; or

(c) The Public Prosecutor directs a Magistrate to arrange for and inquest to be held into the death (section 334 CPC to be read with section 334 and 329 CPC).

B. When an inquest may be held

An Inquest may be held into a reportable death if the Magistrate considers it desirable to hold an inquest (section 334 CPC) in cases of persons who dies whilst in a psychiatric hospital or prison;

C. When an inquest must not be held or continued (Section 333(3) CPC)

(1) Someone has been charged with an offence in which the question whether the accused caused the death may be in issue.

(2) If the Magistrate is informed before an inquest is started, that criminal proceedings will be brought against any person, then the Magistrate must not start an inquest until after the end of the criminal proceedings, including any appeal that may be brought.

D. Categories of cases in which an inquest should usually be held

(1) Any death where there is such uncertainty or conflict of evidence as to justify the use of the judicial forensic process.

(2) Any death in which there is likelihood that an inquest will uncover important systemic defects or risks not already known about.

(3) Any death in which the views of family or other significant members of the public are such that an inquest is likely to assist maintain public confidence in the administration of justice, health services or other public agencies.

(4) Any death that when grouped with others that have occurred in similar circumstances indicates that there may be an unexpected increase of danger in a particular location, area, family, industry or activity.

(5) Any workplace death in which industrial processes or activities are implicated.

(6) Any disaster involving multiple deaths.

(7) Any death from self harm in which it is not possible to exclude the involvement of a third party in procuring the death or in failing to prevent it.

PRE INQUEST

A. Viewing Body Of Deceased

1. When the Magistrate is notified of any custidial death under section 329 or custidial death under section 334 CPC, the Magistrate should:

* With a medical officer, view and examine the body in situ, take note of any injury or marks on the body;

* Obtain information pertaining to the discovery of the body, including questioning cellmates of the deceased and other relevant persons (in cases of custodial deaths);

* Draw sketch plan of then scene and position of the body after securing the scene from any interference and take note of any other matter/things found in the vicinity of the body;

* Obtain copies of the lock up diaries or any relevant written documentations which will provide information about the movement of the deceased in custody before the death (in cases of custodial deaths);

* After ensuring the scene from any interference, ensure that the body is not moved from its original position. In the event the scene has been tampered from its original position, an explanation must be sought from the relevant persons/authorities;

* Enquire into the reasons, if there was a delay in notifying the magistrate of the death;

* Issue order to a medical officer to make a post mortem examination of such body;

Whatever ovservations made should be noted down and these form part of the Magistrate's notes for the inquest.

2. The Magistrate with the assistance of the police should:

* Inform as soon as possible the family/next of kin/other interested persons about the death of the deceased;

* Inform the family/next of kin/interested persons of any post mortem to be carried out and the reasons for the post mortem.

3. The Magistrate with the assistance of the police (who would be liaising with the pathologist), should try to ensure that the body is released to the family/next of kin for burial at the earliest opportunity provided that the necessary investigations and/or post mortem for the delay in releasing the body of the deceased should be recorded in the notes of the Magistrate.

B. Order of Post Mortem

The Magistrate shall direct the Government Medical Officer to do a post mortem and investigate and subsequently draw up a report of:

* The apparent cause of death, the wounds, fractures, bruises and other marks of injury as may relate to the cause of death; or

* The person, if any who caused the death and stating what manner and what weapon or instrument, if any, was used.

The report shall be signed by the officer by whom it was drawn up and the officer shall as soon as may be, forward the report of the apparent cause of death to the Magistrate.

A Magistrate shall commence an inquiry into the death as soon as possible after the notification of the report from the Government Medical Officer.

C. Notice of an Inquest

The Magistrate should arrange to notify the family members/next of kin regarding the holding of an inquest, as to the date, hour and place of inquest. A minimum of 2 weeks notice should be given.

As for the first mention date, a maximum of 3 weeks will be given for parties to appear before the Magistrate, calculate from the date of the receipt of the report from the Government Medical Officer.

INQUEST

A. Protocols for examining witnesses

The Magistrate who sits as a Coroner has control of the proceedings, and therefore, it is the Magistrate who shall examine the witnesses, to be followed by other who have the right to participate in the inquest. The Magistrate is assisted by a Prosecuting Officer (a police officer or a Deputy Public Prosecutor).

B. Entitlement to examine witnesses

There are no 'parties' to an inquest as there are in accusatorial or adversarial proceedings such as a trial. Instead there are only 'interested persons'. The Magistrate should exercise his discretion to determine who shall have the right to examine the witnesses.

C. Persons who have the right to examine withnesses

(a) A parent, child, spouse and any personal representative of the deceased;

(b) Any person whose act or omission or that of his agent or servant may, in the opinion of the coroner, have caused, or contributed to, the death of the deceased;

(c) An inspector appointed by, or a representative of, an enforcing authority, or any person appointed by a government department to attend the inquest;

(d) Any other person who, in the opinion of the coroner, is a properly interested person.

D. Disclosure of Documents

The Magistrate have the discretion with regard to the release of documents. This discretion should in general be exercised in favour of release.

E. Procedure and rules of evidence not to be strictly applied

The procedure and rules of evidence which are suitable for the accusatorial process are unsuitable for the inquisitorial process. Therefore, the Magistrate should not entertain any attempt by any of the interested parties to dispute the credibility of the witnesses through impeachment proceedings, for instance.

Evidence in the form of guesswork should no be allowed.

F. Self Incrimination

No witness at an inquest shall be obliged to answer any question tending to incriminate himself

Where it appears to the Magistrate that a witness has been asked such a question, the magistrate shall inform the withness that he may refuse to answer.

G. Findings

A magistrate who conducted an inquest must if possible find:-

(a) Who the deceased person is; and

(b) How the person died; and

(c) When the person died; and

(d) where the person died; and

(e) what caused the person died; and

(f) who, if any was/were the person(s) who carried out the act(s) or omission(s) causing the death, without however making any finding on the criminal liability of such person(s).

The Magistrate shall transmit such findings to he Public Prosecutor (section 338 CPC)

H. Verdict

No verdict shall be farmed in such a way to appear to determine any question of:-

(a) Criminal liability on the part of a named person; or

(b) Civil liability

At the conclusion of the Inquest, the Magistrate must deliver a verdict on any one of the following:-

(a) An open verdict;

(b) A verdict of misadventure

(c) Death by person or persons unknown

I. Place of Ingust

Shall be open to the public but the Magistrate may, on special grounds of public policy or expediency exclude the public/persons in particular at any stage of the inquiry. (section 338(2) CPC).

J. Inquest should be prompt

Public interest requires that Inquiries into deaths should be held more promptly than has been the case in the past. Inquests should be done at the very earliest moment after death. Inquests should be best condeucted continuously until the end with the most minimal of postpenements in between.

POST INQUEST

A. The Magistrate then transmits to the Public Prosecutor the original of the evidence and finding duly autheticated by his signature or a copy of such evidence and finding certified under his hand as correct.

B. The Magistrate, with the assistance of the police, should inform the family/next of kin of the verdict.

C. The Magistrate has a discretion to provide a copy of the verdict and notes of evidence to interested persons upon application by them.

4. Any reference to the words 'Magistrate' or 'Magistrate/Coroner' in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 above shall be read as Hakim Mahkamah Khas Koroner.

 

PRACTICE DIRECTION NO. 1 OF 2007

GUIDELINES ON INQUEST


Ruj. Tuan:

Ruj. Kami:

Tarikh: 5 January 2007


Semua Hakim Kanan Mahkamah Sesyen/Majistret

Semua Majistret

SEMENANJUNG MALAYSIA

Dato'/Tuan/Puan,

PRACTICE DIRECTION NO. 1 OF 2007

GUIDELINES ON INQUEST

The guidelines below shall be followed in relation to Inquests in the Magistrates' Courts with effect from 1 February 2007.

(RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN PART V11, CAP XXX11 SECTION 328-341A CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE)

1. What is an Inquest?

(a) It is not like a trial;

(b) There are no parties to prosecute and to defend;

(c) It is only an inquiry by a Magistrate as to the cause of death and the Prosecuting Officer is there not to prosecute anyone but only to assist the court with the examination of witnesses for the purpose of giving evidence;

(d) A defence counsel present at an inquest is not there to defend anyone, but only to look after the interest of those who engage him. Whilst he has no right to speak as of right, this right seldom becomes an issue because the court normally gives such indulgence whenever it is asked;

(e) Although addressing the court without permission is not contempt, it is certainly not polite to do so without permission. In polite circles such as the legal profession, this simple etiquette is expected;

(f) A Magistrate/ Coroner shall not express any opinion on any matter until the conclusion of the inquest;

(g) There is no conviction or punishment at the end of it.

2. Matters to be ascertained at Inquest

The proceedings and evidence at an Inquest shall be directed solely at ascertaining the following matters, namely:-

(a) who the deceased was;

(b) how, when and where the deceased came by his death;

(c) particulars for the time being required by the Registration Act to be registered concerning the death of persons;

(d) the person(s) who carried out the act(s) or omission(s) causing the death, where such evidence is available, without however making any finding on the criminal liability of such person(s).

3. When should an inquest be held?

A. When an inquest must be held

1) The Magistrate must hold an inquest if:-

(a) any person dies while in the custody of the police (section 334 CPC); or

(b) any person dies while in the care, or in circumstances that raise doubt about the deceased's care; or

(c) The Public Prosecutor directs a Magistrate to arrange for an inquest to be held into the death (section 339 CPC to be read with section 328 and 329 CPC)

B. When an inquest may be held

An inquest may be held into a reportable death if the Magistrate considers it desirable to hold an inquest (section 334 CPC) in cases of person who dies whilst in a psychiatric hospital or prison;

C. When an inquest must not be held or continued (Section 333(3) CPC)

(1) Someone has been charged with an offence in which the question whether the accused caused the death may be in issue.

(2) If the Magistrate is informed before an inquest is started, that criminal proceedings will be brought against any person, then the Magistrate must not start an inquest until after the end of the criminal proceedings, including any appeal that may be brought.

D. Categories of cases in which an inquest should usually be held

(1) Any death where there is such uncertainty or conflict of evidence as to justify the use of the judicial forensic process,

(2) Any death in which there is a likelihood that an inquest will uncover important systemic defects or risks not already known about,

(3) Any deaths in which the views of the family or other significant members of the public are such that an inquest is likely to assist maintain public confidence in the administration of justice, health services or other public agencies,

(4) Any death that when grouped with others that have occurred in similar circumstances indicates that there may be an unexpected increase of danger in a particular location, area, family, industry or activity,

(5) Any workplace death in which industrial processes or activities are implicated,

(6) Any disaster involving multiple deaths,

(7) Any death from self harm in which it is not possible to exclude the involvement of a third party in procuring the death or in failing to prevent it.

PRE INQUEST

A. Viewing Body Of Deceased

1. When the Magistrate is notified of any non custodial death under section 329 or custodial death under section 334 CPC, the Magistrate should:

* with a medical officer, view and examine the body in situ, take note of any injury or marks on the body;

* obtain information pertaining to the discovery of the body, including questioning cellmates of the deceased and other relevant persons (in cases of custodial deaths);

* draw a sketch plan of the scene and position of the body after securing the scene from any interference and take note of any other matter/things found in the vicinity of the body;

* obtain copies of the lock up diaries or any relevant written documentation which will provide information about the movement of the deceased in custody before the death (in cases of custodial death);

* after ensuring the scene from any interference, ensure that the body is not moved from its original position. In the event the scene has been tampered with and the body has been moved from its original position, an explanation must be sought from the relevant persons/authorities;

* enquire into the reasons, if there was a delay in notifying the Magistrate of the death;

* issue order to a medical officer to make a post mortem examination of such body;

Whatever observations made should be noted down and these form part of the Magistrate's notes for the inquest.

2. The Magistrate with the assistance of the police should:

* inform as soon as possible the family/next of kin/other interested persons about the death of the deceased;

* inform the family/next of kin/interested persons of any post mortem to be carried out and the reasons for the postmortem.

3. The Magistrate with the assistance of the police (who should be liaising with the pathologist), should try to ensure that the body is released to the family/next of kin for burial at the earliest opportunity provided that the necessary investigations and/ or postmortem for the purpose of an inquest has been duly carried out. Reasons for the delay in releasing the body of the deceased should be recorded in the notes of the Magistrate.

B. Order of Postmortem

The Magistrate shall direct the Government Medical Officer to do a postmortem and investigate and subsequently draw up a report of:

* the apparent cause of death, the wounds, fractures, bruises and other marks of injury as may relate to the cause of the death; or

* the person, if any, who caused the death and stating what manner and what weapon or instrument, if any, was used.

The report shall be signed by the officer by whom it was drawn up and the officer shall as soon as may be, forward the report of the apparent cause of death to the Magistrate.

A Magistrate shall commence an inquiry into the death as soon as possible after the notification of the report from the Government Medical Officer.

C. Notice of an Inquest

The Magistrate should arrange to notify the family members/ next of kin regarding the holding of an inquest, as to the date, hour and place of inquest. A minimum of 2 weeks notice should be given.

As for the first mention date, a maximum of 3 weeks will be given for parties to appear before the Magistrate, calculated from the date of the receipt of the report from the Government Medical Officer.

INQUEST

A. Protocols for examining witnesses

The Magistrate who sits as a Coroner has control of the proceedings, and therefore, it is the Magistrate who shall examine firstly the witnesses, to be followed by others who have the right to participate in the inquest. The Magistrate is assisted by a Prosecuting Officer (a police officer or a Deputy Public Prosecutor).

B. Entitlement to examine witnesses

There are no 'parties' to an inquest as there are in accusatorial -or adversarial proceedings such as a trial. Instead there are only 'interested persons'. The Magistrate should exercise his discretion to determine who shall have the right to examine the witnesses.

C. Persons who have the right to examine witnesses

(a) A parent, child, spouse and any personal representative of the deceased;

(b) Any person whose act or omission or that of his agent or servant may, in the opinion of the coroner, have caused, or contributed to, the death of the deceased;

(c) An inspector appointed by, or a representative of, an enforcing authority, or any person appointed by a government department to attend the inquest;

(d) Any other person who, in the opinion of the coroner, is a properly interested person.

D. Disclosure of Documents

The Magistrate have the discretion with regard to the release of documents. This discretion should in general be exercised in favour of release.

E. Procedure and rules of evidence not to be strictly applied

The procedure and rules of evidence which are suitable for the accusatorial process are unsuitable for inquisitorial process.

Therefore, the Magistrate should not entertain any attempt by any of the interested parties to dispute the credibility of the witnesses through impeachment proceedings, for instance.

Evidence in the form of guesswork should not be allowed.

F. Self Incrimination

No witness at an inquest shall be obliged to answer any question tending to incriminate himself.

Where it appears to the Magistrate that a witness has been asked such a question, the Magistrate shall inform the witness that he may refuse to answer.

G. Findings

A magistrate who conducted an inquest must if possible find:-

(a) who the deceased person is; and

(b) how the person died; and

(c) when the person died; and

(d) where the person died; and

(e) what caused the person to die; and

(f) who, if any, was/were the person(s) who carried out the act(s) or omission(s) causing the death, without however making any finding on the criminal liability of such person(s).

The Magistrate shall transmit such findings to the Public Prosecutor (section 338 CPC)

H. Verdict

No verdict shall be framed in such a way to appear to determine any question of:-

(a) criminal liability on the part of a named person; or

(b) civil liability

At the conclusion of the Inquest, the Magistrate must deliver a verdict on any one of the following:

(a) An open verdict;

(b) A verdict of misadventure

(c) Death by person or persons unknown.

I. Place of Inquest

Shall be open to the public but the Magistrate may, on special grounds of public policy or expediency exclude the public/persons in particular at any stage of the inquiry. (section 338 (2) CPC)

J. Inquest should be prompt

Public interest requires that Inquiries into deaths should be held more promptly than has been the case in the past. Inquests should be done at the very earliest moment after death. Inquests should be best conducted continuously until the end with the most minimal of postponements in between.

POST INQUEST

A. The Magistrate then transmits to the Public Prosecutor the original of the evidence and finding duly authenticated by his signature or a copy of such evidence and finding certified under his hand as correct.

B. The Magistrate, with the assistance of the police, should inform the family/next of kin of the verdict.

C. The Magistrate has a discretion to provide a copy of the verdict and notes of evidence to interested persons upon application by them.

(TAN SRI DATO' SITI NORMA YAAKOB)

Chief Judge of Malaya

Palace of Justice

PUTRAJAYA

s.k.:

Y.A.A. Ketua Hakim Negara

Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA

Y.A.A. Hakim Besar Sabah & Sarawak

Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA

Ketua Pendaftar

Mahkamah Persekutuan Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA

Pengerusi

Majlis Peguam Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR

 

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